In Celebration of Pride and Portraits: A Conversation with Riva Lehrer and Achy Obejas

In-person, in the Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium at the National Portrait Gallery

Queer identity and disability – how can portraits help us understand these themes? Join a conversation with artist and educator Riva Lehrer and Cuban American writer Achy Obejas. Obejas was the subject of Lehrer’s piece that was a finalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition and is now on view in “The Outwin 2022: American Portraiture Today.”

As a part of the Tommie L. Pegues and Donald A. Capoccia Conversation Series in LGBTQ+ Portraiture, this event will explore themes related to queer identity and disability. Moderated by the National Portrait Gallery’s curator of painting, sculpture, and Latinx art and history Taína Caragol, and historian Mindy Farmer, the conversation will also examine Lehrer’s method for creating Obejas’ portrait and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have questions about the accessibility of this program or would like to request accommodations, please contact Vanessa Jones at jonesve@si.edu. Two weeks advance notice is appreciated for requesting additional accommodations.
The Smithsonian Institution is currently in a medium level regarding COVID-19 community levels in the DC/MD/VA region. While masks are not required for general visitors, the National Portrait Gallery, as part of the Smithsonian, is a mask friendly environment. While in medium COVID community levels, the Smithsonian encourages visitors two years of age and older to wear a face mask while participating in public programs.

Free–Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are accepted. Seating is first come, first-served.